Diamond prices have continued to recover in March, continuing the price stabilization trend that began in mid-February and expanding it to a wider range of categories, Rapaport said in its press-release.
Round, 0.30- to 1.99-carat, D to G, IF to VS2 goods saw price increases, while inventories were low and stable.
The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat goods — reflecting round, D to H, IF to VS2 diamonds — increased 1.4% in March. The most significant jump was in the 0.30-carat index, which went up 6.5%, with D to F, IF to VVS1 items in that size rising 10% or more on average.
The 0.50-carat index climbed 2.2%, and the 3-carat index edged up 0.1%.
“The Hong Kong diamond and jewelry shows in March exceeded the industry’s low expectations and infused the market with positive energy. Traders reported greater interest and larger transactions than at last year’s fairs,” Rapaport’s analysts noted.
According to the company, US wholesalers sought specific goods to meet demand, leading to shortages in those categories, while De Beers maintained stable rough prices at its end-of-March sight.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
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